The Volkswagen Golf GTi TCR goes into production: this is the most powerful Golf GTi in history, with 290 CV

The world of sporty compacts has always been presented as an inhospitable place for newcomers to the segment, but an experienced model like the Volkswagen Golf GTi has no fear of adding fuel to the fierce battle currently unfolding. To do so, the people from Wolfsburg have taken the step we had all been expecting for a long time: launching the TCR version of their quintessential compact onto the market. With this premise, the German brand offers us the most supercharged and energetic Golf GTi in history, something it achieves with a more radical look that is faithful to its new name, and with an engine ready to win us over with 290 CV.

After having been part of the debut of various prototypes very faithful to the production model, Volkswagen has finally decided to delight us with this variant of its GTi. The letters TCR refer to the competition variant of the Golf, which competes in the International Series of the same name; but now we can enjoy a road-going Golf GTi that not only shares its name with the racing model, but also part of its DNA.

A more radical look in line with the TCR name

The styling of the Volkswagen Golf GTi has always been one of its characteristic traits, where a honeycomb-style grille and a red stripe are responsible for raising the flag of sportiness. However, the designers at the German house have decided to go one step further with this TCR variant, in which a series of specific details aim to make a difference compared to a standard GTi.

At first we find a front end fitted with a thin splitter, which immediately hints at a much more sporty and aggressive character. Alongside it are wing mirrors, roof and diffuser painted in black, seeking to create an attractive and aggressive contrast with the body colour.

New 18-inch wheels -19-inch optional- with a specific design take care of enhancing the side, along with the option of including wing mirrors finished in carbon fibre to sweeten the whole look even further. However, this sportiness is reflected not only on the outside, but also in the cabin.

A sporty interior that sets it apart from its siblings

The interior of the new Golf GTi TCR has also been changed, with the intention of conveying to its occupants the same philosophy that has permeated the compact. To this end, the designers have included a series of elements that unleash the sporty gene that lies dormant in Wolfsburg’s favourite child.

Sport-cut seats finished in Alcantara and microfibre are the undisputed stars of the TCR’s cabin. Red stripes on these continue the task of conveying the new character stamped on the German compact, something also achieved diligently by the red seatbelts or the leather-wrapped steering wheel with its line finished in the same shade to point at 12 o’clock.

290 CV as a stepping stone to the Golf R

To bring the new Volkswagen Golf GTi TCR to life, the brand’s engineers have turned to the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine that powers the other sporty versions of the compact. With this premise, the TCR name takes care of endowing the Golf with 290 CV.

Thanks to this new figure, the GTi TCR is able to reach 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h, although we can opt for a limiter that allows us to reach 260 km/h. Alongside these new performance figures we find a limited-slip differential, perforated brakes and DCC to select different driving settings depending on the circumstances.

For now we do not know Volkswagen’s intentions with this new version, as they have not announced whether it will be a limited edition. However, we do know its price for Germany, which starts at 38,950 euros including taxes.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackVolkswagen Golf28 versions · from 24,450 €